Page 4 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! Discoveries Edition – July/August 2016

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Europe’s Christmas Markets Belong on
Your Shopping List
A Wonderland of Welcomes and Wares
Vienna, Austria
Mulled Wine
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JULY/AUGUST 2016 – DISCOVERIES EDITION
Imagine this: thousands of twinkling lights lead the way as you weave through endless stalls of artisan craftwork for one-of-a-kind gifts to give, souvenirs to save, toys to treasure, and decorations to display, plus vintage merry-go-rounds to watch or ride. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts, delicious mulled wine and homemade gingerbread wafts through the crisp air, casting a spell of holiday cheer on the traditional town square. Reminiscent of an old fashioned scene, even a medieval fantasy, this magical experience is annually accessible, commencing in mid to late November, at a selection of Christmas Markets throughout
Europe, each boasting its own unique history and charming appeal.
From Vienna’s Advent Markets to Munich’s famous Glockenspiel, Europe’s Christmas Markets evoke the charisma of a bygone era and transport visitors into an enchanting modern-day fairy
tale. Here are a few must-visit cities whose Christmas Markets deserve to be the “go to” center of attention on your holiday shopping and sightseeing list.
VIENNA
The Austrian capital’s Christmas Market traditions date back to the 13th century. This majestic city’s holiday season launches with the opening of nearly a dozen individual markets. This Viennese winter wonderland is a place of nostalgia and romance, featuring festive modifications to this elegant Baroque city from Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace to the surrounding parklands of City Hall, which is fittingly decorated as an oversize Advent calendar. Truly a treat for all your senses, these
markets celebrate Vienna’s classical heritage and visitors can expect a melodious spin from both formal and informal concerts. Pony rides and carousels keep the children entertained while mom and pop shop from the exquisite collection of hand-blown glass, woodwork, ceramics and jewelry. All the while, treat your taste buds to a tantalizing array of authentic lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwust, and apfel strudel that is yet to be duplicated anywhere else in the world.
SALZBURG
This city’s Christkindlmarkt is said to be one of Europe’s oldest, located just in front of the cathedral within walking distance of Mozart’s family home. While downtown Salzburg is seemingly completely dedicated to the festivity, it is also a more intimate market, with fewer than 100 stalls that draw fewer visitors than some of the larger cities. Despite its size, it claims one of the world’s largest Advent calendars in the form of Schloss Hellbrunn, a 17th- century palace. Performances by children’s groups and traditional choirs are main attractions alongside legendary craftsmanship quality and delectable candied fruits. However, all is not always merry here: Salzburg tradition includes visits by both St. Nicholas and the Krampus, an evil spirit who punishes naughty children with swats from his switch, so don’t be surprised to see locals dressed with beastly masks on the days leading up to Christmas!
INNSBRUCK
In this lovely mountain-flanked Tyrolean capital, the half-dozen Christmas Markets combine Yuletide cheer with unforgettable scenery and surroundings.
Embrace the beauty of the city during a horse- drawn carriage ride and discover some of the beautifully preserved medieval façades. This cozy ride can deliver you to the charming town of Hall, whose historic buildings are some of Austria’s best preserved and whose traditional Christmas Market is home to melt-in-your-mouth Advent doughnuts, delicate hand-blown glass ornaments and lively folk bands.
MUNICH
It is not easy to overlook a sparkling 85-foot Christmas tree, but there is so much to see and
do in Munich at Christmastime that this festive icon is often a secondary highlight. Numerous smaller markets are sprinkled throughout the city, all connected by the Christmas tram that stops frequently to bestow gingerbread and spiced wine. Choirs, complete with string and wind players, perform nightly from the Friday before Advent to December 24, and the vendors’ crafts are outdone only by their cuisine, in a city where sausage and reiberdatschi (potato pancakes) reign supreme.
Everywhere you go when visiting this wonderland of Christmas markets, take time to enjoy conversing with friendly Christmas Market stallholders while admiring and perhaps purchasing their wares. Be sure to sample each city’s signature winter dessert, perfectly complemented with fragrant sips of traditional Glühwein. All along
the way, remember to wish everyone Fröhliche Weihnachten! ... Merry Christmas!
Edited with additional content by Craig Haberle, CTC
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